How would I know if I have a vein problem?

Published: 25 May 2016

Although varicose veins may be obviously seen, sometimes the disease is hidden within the legs with no visual clues being present!

Although discomfort in the legs can be due to various medical problems, varicose veins is a significant contributor.

It can often be difficult to differentiate what is causing the discomfort in the legs.

Common symptoms of varicose veins in the legs include:

Discomfort in the legs.
Aching pain that may get worse after sitting or standing for a long time
Throbbing or cramping
Heaviness in the legs
Burning sensation in the calf
Itchiness in the legs.
Tiredness in the legs
Leg or ankle swelling
Rash that’s often itchy
Darkening of the skin (in severe cases)
Restless legs
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, then you may well have venous disease within the legs.

If you are unsure or concerned, then a duplex venous ultrasound could be performed in order to exclude this as a possibility.

If you have a varicosity that has bled or is bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis as described immediately below, this is far more serious and warrants urgent attention.

More serious manifestations of venous disease include:

Skin ulcers: usually on the inner aspect of the ankle.
The skin over the veins becomes thin and easily torn.
Superficial thrombophlebitis which is a blood clot that forms in a vein just below the skin. This is due to sluggish flow in the vein. Symptoms include skin redness and a hard tender lump. This can be fairly painful.
Deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a deeper vein. About 30% of superficial thrombophlebiotis leads to deep vein thrombosis.

If you have any concern, then please let us help!

Please give us a call and make an appointment.

We can discuss your particular venous issue, discuss options and create an individualised treatment plan if required. The venous disease that you have may well require reassurance only with no treatment required.

To make an appointment today to have your venous disease assessed by Dr Berman, please phone 9561 5155